2A NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2ND

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ATF Opposes California's Call for Stricter Ghost Gun Rules

The ATF has firmly positioned itself against California's legal push to enforce stricter controls over ghost guns. This battle, set against the backdrop of a federal court in California, brings to the forefront the complex issues surrounding firearm regulation, individual rights, and public safety.

The legal battle began in 2020 when California, alongside the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and other plaintiffs, sued the ATF. Their demand was for the agency to enforce MORE regulations on "80%" receivers and frames, pivotal components of firearms that have been traditionally outside the purview of strict regulatory oversight.

In 2022, the ATF broadened the definition of what constitutes a firearm under the Gun Control Act which ultimately declared build kits (kits including a jig and lower) as firearms. However, Giffords argues that this move falls short of their expectation of completely eradicating 80%’s. Their contention lies in the continued allowance of 80% receivers and frames to be sold without background checks, which they believe fuels the illegal arms trade.

In the face of these accusations, the ATF's defense hinges on the argument of unsubstantiated claims by the plaintiffs. They point out the lack of concrete evidence linking the disputed products to significant criminal activity. This is ironically the same point we have been making in our lawsuit against the ATF’s ‘Ghost Gun’ rule.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on this contentious issue. However, one thing is clear: the outcome of this case may have significant implications for the 80% industry and with our current case against the ATF that is awaiting a response from the Supreme Court. We remain committed to defending the principles of the Second Amendment and ensuring that the voices of responsible gun owners are heard in this vital conversation.

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ATF Whistleblowers Reveal Biden Administration's Proposal Aimed at Banning Private Gun Sales

In an alarming development, whistleblowers within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have exposed a concerning proposal from the Biden administration that could severely impact the rights of gun owners across the nation. A draft document, extending over 1,300 pages, has been disclosed, purportedly laying the groundwork for a rule that would all but eliminate private gun sales through the imposition of mandatory background checks for all transactions.

Empower Oversight, a vigilant watchdog group, has brought this to public attention, highlighting the profound implications such a rule would have on the Second Amendment rights. The proposal suggests a future where private sales between law-abiding citizens would be equated to transactions by federal firearms licensees, a move that could fundamentally alter the landscape of gun ownership in America.

This draft rule, as revealed by ATF insiders, aims to extend background checks to nearly all gun sales, a stark shift from current practices that allow for private transactions without such checks. This initiative, allegedly at the behest of the White House, seeks to redefine what it means to be "engaged in the business" of selling firearms, thus tightening the grip on private sales.

The watchdog's response, articulated through a letter to key figures including Attorney General Merrick Garland and ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach, raises significant legal and constitutional concerns. It argues that such sweeping regulations not only blur the lines of the separation of powers but also encroach upon the Second Amendment rights explicitly protected under the U.S. Constitution.

This revelation comes amidst broader efforts by the Biden administration to enforce stricter gun control measures, as seen with the introduction of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Yet, the proposed rule raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of targeting private sales, potentially setting a precedent for further encroachments on gun rights. The proposal imposes undue burdens on lawful citizens and gun owners.

As this situation unfolds, supporters of the Second Amendment must stay informed and engaged. The efforts of Empower Oversight and the courage of ATF whistleblowers to speak out against this proposed rule underscore the ongoing battle for the preservation of gun rights in America. It's a reminder of the importance of vigilance, advocacy, and unity in defending our constitutional rights against overreach and regulation that may infringe upon our freedoms.

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74 Representatives Urge Speaker Johnson to Oppose Renewal of the Undetectable Firearms Act

Seventy-four members of the House of Representatives, supported by Gun Owners of America, have taken a stand. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, they have voiced a strong opposition to the reauthorization of the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988, highlighting the critical juncture we face as we approach the 2024 election year. This action not only reflects the dedication of these members to defend firearm rights but also presents an opportunity to demonstrate why the Republican party deserves the continued trust and control of the House.

The letter outlines the significance of rejecting any permanent reauthorization or expansion of the Undetectable Firearms Act. It emphasizes the potential for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to misuse the act to redefine critical terms, thus expanding the scope of regulated firearms in a manner that could encroach upon our constitutional rights. Specifically, the letter addresses concerns over the ATF's recent reclassification of incomplete pistol frames as firearms, an action that raises alarms about the broadening definition of gun parts under the current administration.

This redefinition, spurred by the Biden administration's crackdown on "ghost guns," showcases a disturbing trend of regulatory overreach. The ATF's Final Rule 2021-05F, which reinterprets what constitutes a "frame or receiver," exemplifies this overreach and has become a focal point of contention. The concern is that such reinterpretations could pave the way for a broader ban on plastic/polymer guns under the guise of the Undetectable Firearms Act, a development that the 74 Representatives firmly oppose.

The call to prevent the permanent reauthorization of the Undetectable Firearms Act is more than a policy dispute; it is a stand for the foundational principles of liberty and individual rights enshrined in our Constitution. By challenging the expansion of the Act and the ATF's recent actions, these Representatives are advocating for a cautious approach that respects the rights of law-abiding citizens and guards against unwarranted governmental intrusion.

The actions of these 74 Representatives, backed by the Gun Owners of America, underscore the importance of legislative and public support in the fight to preserve our firearm rights. The debate over the Undetectable Firearms Act reauthorization is not just about specific legal definitions or regulatory scope; it is about ensuring that our rights remain protected in the face of changing political and regulatory landscapes.

Building an 80% is More Important Now Than Ever

In the current political climate, with gun control poised to be a hotly debated issue in 2024, the discussion around 80% lowers remains critical. The ATF's resistance to California's push for stricter ghost gun regulations highlights the ongoing national dialogue on firearm regulation, and individual rights. The debate isn't just theoretical; it has tangible implications for gun enthusiasts and builders who value the tradition of assembling their firearms.

80% lowers, sit at the intersection of regulatory oversight and Second Amendment rights. These lowers have traditionally offered a way for law-abiding citizens to craft their guns, emphasizing self-reliance and the personal exercise of constitutional rights. However, as the legal landscape evolves, so too does the conversation around these components.

It's essential to note that, depending on local state and federal law, purchasing 80% lowers remains an option for many Americans. This legal variability underscores the importance of staying informed and engaged with both the laws of your jurisdiction and the broader national policy discussions.

The ATF's stance and the broader legal challenges to ghost gun regulations will likely influence the future of 80% lowers and private gun ownership. The outcome of these debates will not only affect those who build their firearms but also shape the broader narrative around gun rights and regulation in America.

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